Daily Kavanot
Writings of reflection by the Stephen Wise Temple clergy.
Each weekday morning, members of our mailing list receive the “Daily Kavanah,” which includes messages of thought, inspiration, and contemplation from our clergy, along with a schedule of events. Every Thursday, the “Daily Kavanah” turns into “Eyes on Wise,” our weekly newsletter featuring the latest news, photos, videos, stories, and tikkun olam opportunities from our community. Sign up and don’t miss out!
Daily Kavanah – Monday, April 4, 2022
What a time of year to have the privilege of living in California—a handful of gentle rainy days followed by the sweet smells of flowers blooming, grass growing, and fresh winds blowing. Indeed, we are lucky to live in a climate not dissimilar from that of the Holy Land—a place with dry months, relatively light winters, and the absolute sweetest spring seasons. It is no surprise that the great sages of ancient Israel—and those yearning to find a connection with Israel in every corner of the world—chased after God’s presence in every corner of the natural world. Reb Nachman of Breslov (b. 1772 in Poland), the great-grandson of the Ba’al Shem Tov, wrote earnestly on his seeking (and finding) God in his natural surroundings: How wonderful it would be if one could only be worthy of hearing the song of the grass! Each blade of grass sings out to God [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, April 1, 2022
Everyone seems to be talking about the “Slap Heard ‘Round the World” this week. That’s understandable. It’s not every day that you witness a physical assault unfold on live television involving public figures that, in some ways, you feel you know because you’ve seen them so many times on TV and in film. It happened so quickly and so unexpectedly that many of us thought it was a “bit” of some sort. It wasn’t. Such a moment can and should inspire conversations about what it means to stand up for others when they are insulted or abused, whatever the context or the intent. It might lead us to reflect on the fraying of societal norms, the coarseness of today’s discourse, and, more broadly, the disturbing “ambient rage” that manifests as troubling outbursts on planes, in retail outlets, and in other public places. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, March 31, 2022
Being a Good Parent – Lessons from the Talmud Parents and grandparents wanting to shape good and emotionally healthy children have an array of contemporary sources to guide them. This week, Rabbi Woznica shares ancient and pertinent wisdom of the Talmud. “Anger in a home is like rottenness in fruit.” —Talmud Sotah 3 Creating a home which is a “haven against the storm” is something to which most of us aspire. One of the gifts parents can help to create for their child(ren) is a sense of calm and well-being in the home. The Talmud is emphasizing the consequence of a home where there is anger. If you grew up in such a home, you likely know the impact on you (and/or your siblings). It is natural to have moments of anger yet, to the extent possible, it is the responsibility of parents to keep that anger in check, particularly [...]
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Being a Good Parent – Lessons from the Talmud Parents and grandparents wanting to shape good and emotionally healthy children have an array of contemporary sources to guide them. This week, Rabbi Woznica shares ancient and pertinent wisdom of the Talmud. “If a small child is capable of shaking the lulav correctly, his parents should buy him his own lulav.” —Talmud Sukkah 28a The lulav, the branch of a palm tree, is one of four species we wave on Sukkot. Most small children would have difficulty in shaking the lulav correctly. Yet, what if a small child has the ability to do so? The Talmud teaches parents to buy one for the child. I interpret this Talmudic teaching broadly. If your child has a particular talent and interest in any worthwhile endeavor, foster the child’s desires. If your child has musical, academic, athletic, artistic, or other interests (again, that you believe worthy) do what you can [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Being a Good Parent – Lessons from the Talmud Parents and grandparents wanting to shape good and emotionally healthy children have an array of contemporary sources to guide them. This week, Rabbi Woznica shares ancient and pertinent wisdom of the Talmud. “Denying a child religious knowledge robs the child of an inheritance.” —Babylonian Talmud Sanhedrin 91b One of two mitzvot in the Torah for Passover is to tell the story—our history— at the Seder. It is our responsibility to do so for every generation. If one generation does not know it, they will not teach their children, and it could be lost forever. We are aware that, sadly, many Jews know too little about their Judaism. Perhaps they didn’t learn or experience it in their homes. Or, they chose not to study it as adults. While parents may not think of it in the terms of the Talmud, many adults who [...]